davocean
10/29/2010, 11:57 AM
> Domoic Acid Advisory Issued for Consumers of Lobsters and Rock Crabs in
> Southern California
>
> The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is warning all
> consumers of California spiny lobster to eat only the tail meat until
> further notice. Elevated levels of domoic acid toxin have been found in
> the viscera (internal organs) of lobster sampled from waters adjacent to
> the northern Channel Islands. Elevated levels of the toxin have also
> been detected in recent samples of rock crab, and so this warning also
> extends to this species. The meat of the lobster and crab is not
> affected by the toxin, but all internal organs, including the roe,
> should be discarded.
>
> Symptoms of domoic acid poisoning can occur within 30 minutes to 24
> hours after eating toxic seafood. In mild cases, symptoms may include
> nausea or diarrhea, cramps, headache and dizziness. These symptoms
> typically disappear within several days, but in severe cases, the victim
> may experience life-threatening symptoms, or even death.
>
> "DFG biologists are working with the Department of Public Health to
> increase the level of sampling for domoic acid along the coast," said
> DFG Senior Invertebrate Specialist Kristine Barsky. "To date, there have
> been no known cases of poisoning. With this warning we want to ensure
> consumer safety, but not discourage people from enjoying these tasty
> crustaceans."
>
> Domoic acid is a naturally occurring toxin sometimes found in the
> microscopic marine algae that small fish, clams, and mussels eat. Crabs
> and lobsters feed on these animals and concentrate the toxin in their
> organs. The algal blooms can come and go quickly, so it's difficult to
> determine exactly when and where they are present. Thus, this warning
> applies to all lobster and rock crab harvested in southern California.
>
> As soon as domoic acid toxin is no longer detected in samples, DFG will
> issue another news release. In the meantime, check DFG’s website at
> www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/healthadvisory.asp for updates and more
> information on this situation.
> Southern California
>
> The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is warning all
> consumers of California spiny lobster to eat only the tail meat until
> further notice. Elevated levels of domoic acid toxin have been found in
> the viscera (internal organs) of lobster sampled from waters adjacent to
> the northern Channel Islands. Elevated levels of the toxin have also
> been detected in recent samples of rock crab, and so this warning also
> extends to this species. The meat of the lobster and crab is not
> affected by the toxin, but all internal organs, including the roe,
> should be discarded.
>
> Symptoms of domoic acid poisoning can occur within 30 minutes to 24
> hours after eating toxic seafood. In mild cases, symptoms may include
> nausea or diarrhea, cramps, headache and dizziness. These symptoms
> typically disappear within several days, but in severe cases, the victim
> may experience life-threatening symptoms, or even death.
>
> "DFG biologists are working with the Department of Public Health to
> increase the level of sampling for domoic acid along the coast," said
> DFG Senior Invertebrate Specialist Kristine Barsky. "To date, there have
> been no known cases of poisoning. With this warning we want to ensure
> consumer safety, but not discourage people from enjoying these tasty
> crustaceans."
>
> Domoic acid is a naturally occurring toxin sometimes found in the
> microscopic marine algae that small fish, clams, and mussels eat. Crabs
> and lobsters feed on these animals and concentrate the toxin in their
> organs. The algal blooms can come and go quickly, so it's difficult to
> determine exactly when and where they are present. Thus, this warning
> applies to all lobster and rock crab harvested in southern California.
>
> As soon as domoic acid toxin is no longer detected in samples, DFG will
> issue another news release. In the meantime, check DFG’s website at
> www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/healthadvisory.asp for updates and more
> information on this situation.